Officials and staff from LECERP and the Ghana Commission for UNESCO
On 6th February 2026, the Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy (LECERP) held a collaborative meeting with the Ghana Commission for UNESCO to explore partnership opportunities aimed at strengthening education research, policy development, and capacity building in Ghana.
The meeting focused on areas of mutual interest and potential joint initiatives aligned with national education priorities and global education goals, particularly the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Dr. Osman Tahidu Damba (in white) flanked by other officials from the Ghana National Commission of UNESCO (from his immediate left: Dr Naazia Ibrahim – Deputy Secretary General (Programmes); and Mr Riche-Mike Wellington, Deputy Secretary General (Operations); Right: Mr Moses J. Y. Gemeh Principal Programme Officer (Education) .
Speaking at the meeting, the Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, Prof. Osman Tahidu Damba, commended LECERP for its proactive effort to engage the Commission. He noted that the Commission facilitates collaboration among various stakeholders and implements programmes across UNESCO’s core sectors of Education, Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Culture, Communication and Information.
Prof. Damba emphasized that UNESCO operates with clearly defined targets and indicators that guide the work of the Commission. He acknowledged that LECERP’s activities align strongly with UNESCO’s priority areas and described the meeting as a valuable opportunity to deepen collaboration to improve national education outcomes. Further, he highlighted the importance of innovation in educational delivery and research to support Ghana’s progress towards achieving SDG 4.
Dr. Joyce Anku, speaking during the meeting.
On behalf of the Director of LECERP, Dr. Joyce Anku, Senior Lecturer and a Research Associate at the Centre, explained that the engagement sought to explore opportunities for mutual collaboration to support educational development in Ghana and beyond. She reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to advancing research, training and capacity building, and advocacy within the education sector. She acknowledged that the meeting aligned with the University of Ghana’s strategic priority 4: Engagement and Partnership.
A cross section of officials at the meeting
Dr. Anku also expressed LECERP’s interest in strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders, including UNESCO and its affiliated institutions, to support initiatives such as literacy development, research collaboration, and knowledge sharing. She further highlighted LECERP’s intention to organize the African Literacy Forum and contribute to activities marking the International Literacy Day.
Dr. Martin Wiredu Agyekum, presenting the overview of LECERP at the meeting
Giving an overview of LECERP’s activities, Dr. Martin Wiredu Agyekum, a Research Fellow at the Centre, presented on key initiatives undertaken by the Centre. These initiatives align with its core pillars of research, training and capacity building and advocacy. He outlined major projects undertaken by the Centre and demonstrated their contribution to educational development, particularly in shaping policy and practice. He also emphasized the Centre’s role in community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and policy implementation support.
Mr. Riche-Mike Wellington, making a point during the meeting.
In his remarks, Mr. Riche-Mike Wellington, Deputy Secretary-General in charge of operations at the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, outlined several strategic collaboration opportunities available to LECERP and UNESCO. He noted that the Commission plays a key role in facilitating partnerships, research collaboration, training, advocacy, and capacity building initiatives.
The engagement served as an important platform for both institutions to reaffirm their commitment to identifying joint priority activities, supporting national education reporting, and exploring the organization of a national conference on the country’s progress in attaining the SDGs ahead of 2030.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between LECERP and the Ghana Commission for UNESCO to support education research, policy development, and capacity building initiatives in Ghana and across Africa.
Other officials from the Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy who participated in the meeting included Dr. Emmanuel Adjei-Boateng, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Educational Studies and Leadership; Ms. Audrey Djarbeng, Administrative Secretary; and Mr. Faith Ocran, National Service Person.
Other representatives from the Ghana Commission for UNESCO included Dr Naazia Ibrahim, Deputy Secretary General (Programmes); Mr. Moses J.Y. Gemeh, Principal Programme Officer (Education); and Mr. Kofi Takyi Kwakye, Education Programme Officer.